Job Title

Grounds Keeper

Salary Scale

MN31

Location

Florence 1 Schools 

PSC Code 

990014

Reports To

Grounds Supervisor

Shift Type

Full Time/Exempt

General Statement of Job 

Under general supervision, maintains District school grounds in order to ensure a safe and attractive environment for students and District staff.  Landscapes grounds and lays out athletic fields. 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains safe, clean, attractive school grounds. Duties include mowing grass, trimming weeds and shrubbery, cutting trees, planting and fertilizing, repairing paved areas, installing and repairing playground equipment, clearing storm drains, removing debris, etc.
• Completes projects in accordance with established specifications, schedules and standards of quality.
• Completes and submits daily maintenance reports.
• Operates and maintains a variety of equipment, such as a lawn mower, weed eaters, hedge trimmer, tiller, chain saw, back-pack blowers, post hole diggers, drills, and various other yard, hand and power tools.  Exercises care and safety in the use of equipment and tools required to complete assigned tasks.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals, such as the immediate supervisor, school personnel, students, etc.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Performs related duties as required.

Essential Functions 

Physical Requirements:

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment, including heavy equipment, power and yard tools, hand tools, etc. Must be able to exert up to twenty pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.  Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; must be able to remain on feet for periods of time and perform manual tasks.  Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of up to 100 pounds.

Data Conception:

Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communications:

Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to subordinates and receiving assignments and/or directions from supervisor.

Language Ability:

Requires the ability to read a variety of policy and procedures manuals, equipment manuals, work orders, etc. Requires the ability to prepare logs, reports, etc., with proper format.  Requires the ability to speak with and before others with clarity, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence:

Requires the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagrammatic form, and to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in or from standardized situations. Requires the ability to apply influence systems in managing a crew; to make routine independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.  Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information.

Verbal Aptitude:

Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow and give verbal and written instructions and to teach employees. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with co-workers and supervisor.

Numerical Aptitude:

Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to determine time. 

Form/Spatial Aptitude:

Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information.

Motor Coordination:

Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using special machinery and to operate motor vehicles and heavy equipment.

Manual Dexterity:

Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, tools, etc. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Interpersonal Temperament:

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing in uncomfortable physical conditions and under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines. The worker may be subject to danger or risk to a moderate degree.

Physical Communications:

Requires the ability to talk and/or hear (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

Training and Education 

Requires a junior high school diploma supplemented by one to two years of groundskeeping experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.  Must possess a valid state driver's license.

Performance Evaluation Criteria 

Job Knowledge:

Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Maintenance Services Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Grounds Keeper. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has knowledge of the organization of the Department and of related departments and agencies.  Has the ability to offer assistance to co-workers as required. Has the ability to use independent judgment as needed in performing routine tasks.  Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Is able to read and interpret work orders, policies, manuals and related materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.  Knows how to prepare logs, reports, etc. with accuracy and in a timely manner. Has knowledge of the terminology used within the department. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, co-workers and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Has knowledge of the standard tools, materials and practices of the trade. Has skills in the care and use of required tools and equipment. Has knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trade. Is able to make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment.  

Quality of Work:

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities.  Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with all District departments and divisions, co-workers and the public.

Quantity of Work:

Performs described "Specific Duties and Responsibilities" and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets standards and expectations of the District.

Dependability:

Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, District policy, standards and prescribed procedures.  Remains accountable to assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance:

Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to District policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness.  Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm:

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountability.  Strives to anticipate work to be done, and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment:

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur, and specifies decision objectives.  Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations.  Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors.  Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation:

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction, and strives to meet the goals and objectives of the same.  Questions such as instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified (i.e., poor communications, variance with District policy or procedures, etc.). Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the District. 

Relationships:

Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and staff for mutual and district benefit.  Contributes to maintaining high morale among all District employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staff and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the public so as to maintain good will toward the District and to project a good district image.  Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the District.  Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the District.  Interacts effectively with higher management, professionals and the public.

Coordination of Work:

Plans and organizes daily work routine.  Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.  Avoids duplication of effort.  Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time.  Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.  

Safety:

Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the District and various regulatory agencies.  Sees that standards are not violated.  Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.  

DISCLAIMER:  This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.  Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Terms of Employment 

245 day work agreement. Salary and work year to be established by the district.